| |
Dear Reader,
Fall may be here, but with these fabulously sizzling new releases from Berkley Jove, things are hotter than ever! As the nights get colder, you can count on the newest release from New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan to heat things up. Now available for the first time in manga, you won't want to miss the classic DARK HUNGER in this fantastic graphic format. In exchange for his freedom, the sexy captive Carpathian Riordan will release the driven Juliette from her inhibitions! The only thing stronger than his desire for revenge is his passion for her.
Also be sure to check out the steamy mass market reprints of some of her bestselling classics DARK CELEBRATION and DARK SYMPHONY. In DARK CELEBRATION an evil plot is hatching, but Carpathian King Mikhail will stop at nothing to protect his loved ones. And in DARK SYMPHONY, Vampire-hunter Byron cannot fight his overpowering attraction to the irresistible Antonietta, even if it means both of them are doomed.
Demon-slaying has never been sexier or more dangerous than in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Foster writing as L.L. Foster's new paranormal romance SERVANT: THE AWAKENING. Even as she faces a menacing new danger, the deadly and beautiful Gabrielle Cody can't help being drawn to the magnetic Detective Luther Cross.
Find out what happens when bestselling author Linda Castillo explores a world of danger in OVERKILL. Cop Marty Hogan is about to learn that you can't run away from the dark secrets of her past and she isn't going to let her mistakes haunt her any more. To hear more be sure to check out our letter from the author.
Another supernatural seduction takes place in national bestselling author Catherine Spangler's Sentinel book TOUCHED BY FIRE. Sparks fly as the seductive and leather-clad Luke Paxton melts the icy heart of Marla Reynolds even as they defend themselves against the ultimate evil.
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY is the latest sizzler from the award winning and USA Today bestselling author Cathie Linz. There really is no place like home when curvaceous Leena finds out her new boss, who used to taunt her in high school, cannot keep his eyes... or his hands... off her now. And you won't want to miss our exclusive letter from the author.
You'll want to curl up with USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis' THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE. A vacation seems like the perfect way to spice up her lackluster love life, but when the klutzy Dorie Anderson sets out on a sexy tropical singles' cruise, she winds up marooned on a deserted island with a killer instead.
Historical romances are waiting for you this month with the first novel in award-winning author Claudia Dain's sexy new series THE COURTESAN'S DAUGHTER. Money is the only way that a daughter of a courtesan can find a respectable husband and Lady Caroline meets her match in the alluring Lord Ashdon. To find out more be sure to read our interview with the author!
Jennifer Ashley brings you a novel of the early years of Elizabeth Tudor in THE QUEEN'S HANDMAIDEN. Eloise's tale is the story of a childhood friend and confidant to the greatest female monarch of all time. Readers should also be sure to catch Amanda Grange's latest Jane Austen retelling, MR. KNIGHTLY'S DIARY. Explore Mr. Knightly's point of view as he falls in love with his beautiful and outrageously mischievous neighbor, Emma. In Donna MacMean's THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY, a seductive neighbor makes a scandalous offer to a teacher in need of instruction.
AN ENCHANTED SEASON brings readers an all-new collection of paranormal romances from three bestselling authors will certainly get you in the holiday spirit. You won't want to miss this fabulous collection from Jean Johnson, Erin McCarthy, Maggie Shayne and Nalini Singh that offers everything from a lusting Psy changeling to a miraculous Christmas blizzard.
GIRLS THAT GROWL is the third in Mari Mancusi's hip and sassy young adult series and features Rayne McDonald of STAKE THAT! As if high school wasn't enough trouble, now Vampire goth girl Rayne must go undercover as a peppy cheerleader to solve a Slayer mystery. Young Adults also won't want to miss reading rising star Erin Lynn's DEMON ENVY. Life becomes anything but ordinary when teenage Kenzie Sutcliffe accidentally sets a demon free in her shower.
The hottest new title from Heat this month is Shayla Black's DECADENT. Pick up this erotic piece and explore the playful world of pop stars with the inexperienced Kimber Edgington.
And to wrap this steamy month up, be sure to pick up the mass market edition of Diane Whiteside's vampire novel BOND OF BLOOD, the first on her fabulous trilogy of the sexy Texas vampires. New York Times bestseller Angela Knight's JANE'S WARLORD, is out again this month along with Nina Bangs' WICKED NIGHTS, USA Today bestselling author Rebecca York's KILLING MOON, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh's IRRESISTABLE, and also Laurell K. Hamilton's GUILTY PLEASURES.
|
|
This Month at Berkley Jove
October Releases from Berkley Jove
 |
DARK CELEBRATION
Christine Feehan
First Time in Paperback
They are the Carpathians. For years, they have been persecuted by their enemies, and have struggled against all odds to preserve their species. Now, a new insidious plot has been devisedone that would slaughter Carpathian females and bring an end to all that the Carpathians have worked for.
Even with his own lifemate, Raven, and their daughter Savannah, in danger, Carpathian king Mikhail believes that all is not lost. Gathering all of his people together, he will forge a new bond of strength, joining their powers in a celebration that will bring light even in this dark time.
(A Carpathian Reunion)
Order:
|
 |
DARK HUNGER
Christine Feehan
The New York Times bestselling author's Carpathian classic goes Manga!
Christine Feehan has reinvented the vampire novel with her New York Times bestselling Carpathian series. Now she and Berkley take her "out-of-the-ordinary" (Booklist) in a thrilling new directionand this time it's more graphic than ever.
Riordan is an immortal Carpathian male, trapped and caged, his honor compromised by his captors. They're in his mind. They're in his blood. And not one can withstand his desire for revenge.
Juliette is an activist devoted to liberating animals from a secret jungle lab. What she stumbles upon is a prisoner like no other. She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions.
For more information on the Manga Format, see http://www.christinefeehan.com
Order:
|
 |
DARK SYMPHONY
Christine Feehan
Byron is a vampire killer, himself as old as time. Then came the haunting music, and the intoxicating scent of female flesh. Antonietta is an ageless beauty, arousing men's darkest desires. Her newest prey is her greatest obsession. Byron and Antonietta are perfect for each other. But who is the hunterand who is the hunted?
(A Carpathian Novel #9 - reissue at a special low price)
Order:
|
 |
SERVANT: THE AWAKENING
L.L. Foster
Urban paranormal fantasy featuring Gabrielle Cody: Servant. Slayer. Seducer.
Gabrielle Cody has the ability to see the demons among us as they really areand the responsibility to destroy them. She can't allow anyone to get in her way, even the magnetic Detective Luther Cross. Sensing a malevolent presence watching and stalking her, Gaby is drawn again and again to an abandoned hospital surrounded by an aura of sickness and sufferingand unimaginable evil.

Order:
|
 |
GUILTY PLEASURES
Laurell K. Hamilton
Originally published in 1993 by Ace, Guilty Pleasures marked the debut of a series that was destined to grow from cult favorite to a major New York Times bestseller. Now, for long-time Anita Blake junkies and newfound fans, Guilty Pleasures is being offered at a special low price. Readers will learn how Anita Blake started raising the deadand killing the undead. And how she met Jean Claude, the master vampire destined to become not only her biggest nemesis, but her greatest lover...
(An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Novel #1 - reissue at a special low price)
Order:
|
 |
JANE'S WARLORD
Angela Knight
A sexy paranormal debutfrom a fresh new voice in erotic romance. The next target of a time traveling killer, crime reporter Jane Colby finds herself in the hands of a warlord from the future sent to protect herand in his hands is just where she wants to be.
(Reissue at a special low price.)
Order:
|
 |
AN ICE COLD GRAVE
Charlaine Harris
Hired to find a boy gone missing in Doraville, North Carolina, Harper Connelly and her brother Tolliver head thereonly to discover that the boy was only one of several who had disappeared over the previous five years. All of them teenagers. All unlikely runaways.
All calling for Harper.
Harper soon finds themeight victims, buried in the half-frozen ground, all come to an unspeakable end. Afterwards, what she most wants to do is collect her fee and get out of town ahead of the media storm that's soon to descend. But when she's attacked and prevented from leaving, she reluctantly becomes a part of the investigation as she learns more than she cares to about the dark mysteries and long-hidden secrets of Doravilleknowledge that makes her the next person likely to rest in an ice-cold grave.
(A Harper Connelly Mystery #3)
Order:
|
 |
GRAVE SURPRISE
Charlaine Harris
First Time in Paperback
While in Memphis, psychic Harper Connelly sensesand findstwo bodies in a grave. One of a man centuries-dead. The other, a girl, recently deceased. Harper's investigation yields another surprise: the next morning, a third body is foundin the very same grave.
(A Harper Connelly Mystery #2)
Order:
|
 |
OVERKILL
Linda Castillo
Marty Hogan was a good cop until she crossed the line . . .
Now someone wants her to pay . . .
It started with a case so horrific it sent Chicago cop Marty Hogan straight over the edge. Unable to put the past behind her, she lost her job and was forced to flee to small-town Texas and the only police department that would hire her.
She's about to learn you can't outrun the past...
Police chief Clay Settlemeyer knows something about making mistakes, which is why he was willing to give Marty a second chance. But when her ex-partner is brutally murdered, it's clear that Marty's past has come back to haunt her.
And she's the next intended victim...

Order:
|

|
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY
Cathie Linz
Leena may be down on her luckbut big girls don't cry.
They get even...
Leena Riley has returned to her hometown of Rock Creek with her tail between her legs. Her fabulous plus-size modeling career in Chicago never took off, and now the only job she can land is as a receptionist in a veterinarian's office. She has to be desperate to work for Cole Flannigan...
Being two years older than Cole never spared her from his taunts in school. Now all grown up, Cole is still the golden boy, a sexy charmer with commitment issues and a short attention spanuntil Leena and her curves strut into his life. And though she turns his office upside-down, he can't resist the animal attraction that makes him look at Leena in a whole new light...
Order:
|
 |
THE TROUBLE WITH PARADISE
Jill Shalvis
When Dorie Anderson meets a cute guy, she becomes a huge klutz. But one phone call has turned her dead-end dating life into an adventure: she's won a trip on a singles' cruise to Fiji. On board, she soon meets pro baseball player Andy, and the ship's hunky French doctor. She's sure she'll fall head-over-heels in no time. Unfortunately, she's right: soon, she trips over her luggage right in front of them. Mortifying. But a bigger disaster is just on the horizon. Dorie finds a man murdered in his bunk the same night a storm wrecks the ship, stranding everyone on a deserted shore. It'd be a perfect setting for romanceif it weren't for the fact that there's a killer among them.

Order:
|
 |
THE QUEEN'S HANDMAIDEN
Jennifer Ashley
A novel of the early years of Elizabeth Tudoras told by the spirited niece of her real-life governess.
Her name is Eloise Rousell.
Daughter of a well-bred lady and a strolling player, she lived her early years in peaceful obscurity. But then her father diedand her new stepfather wanted none of her. So she was sent to her aunt, Kat Ashleygoverness to the young Elizabeth Tudor.
In the tumultuous household of the princess in exile, Eloise finds her destinybest friend, confidante, lady-in-waiting, and favored seamstress of the fiery girl who would become the greatest monarch of all time.
Through a decade of plots and counter-plots, tragedies and triumphs, Eloise, like her aunt, is a constant in Elizabeth's life. Risking her heartand her headin service to the cause of seeing Elizabeth on the throne, Eloise is a bright, brave, sprightly witness to history. This is her story.
Order:
|
 |
IRRESISTIBLE
Mary Balogh
The widowed Sophia Armitage has a chance encounter in Hyde Park with three friends she had known during the Peninsular Wars when she was there with her husband. The three men remember her only as a dear comrade, but soon Nathaniel Gascoigne is seeing her in a different light. Sophie, though, harbors a dark secret she can confide to no oneleast of all Nathaniel. His friend Eden, Lord Pelham, meanwhile, is engaged in his own volatile, humorous love story with Lavinia Bergland, Nat's prickly ward.
(Reissue at special low price)
Order:
|
 |
WICKED NIGHTS
Nina Bangs
Welcome to the Castle of Dark Dreams. Its the yummiest attraction in Live the Fantasy, an adult theme park where women who dare can take sexy role-playing to new erotic heights. Just by looking at the castle you know that only dangerously tempting men would play here. Three brothersEric, Brynn, and Conall McNairrun the castle. Okay, so theyre not quite human, but thats a secret. This night Eric, the castles resident vampire, will prove that hes everything bad should be.
Talk-show host Donna Nolan is on the trail of the weird and wacky in the Castle of Dark Dreams. But thoughts of a juicy interview to enthrall her listeners disappear when she meets Eric. With the coldest blue eyes and the hottest mouth shes ever seen, hes a primitive call to the wild in every woman.
Love between a talk-show host and a vampire shouldnt be possible, but then, strange things happen in the Castle of Dark Dreams.
(Reissue at special low price)
Order:
|
 |
QUEEN OF THE DARKNESS
Anne Bishop
Jaenelle Angelline now reigns as Queenprotector of the Shadow Realm. No longer will the corrupt Blood slaughter her people and defile her lands. But where one chapter ends, a final, unseen battle remains to be written, and Jaenelle must unleash the terrible power that is Witch to destroy her enemies once and for all.
Even so, she cannot stand alone. Somewhere, long lost in madness, is Daemon, her promised Consort. Only his unyielding love can complete her Court and secure her reign. Yet, even together, their strength may not be enough to hold back the most malevolent of forces.
(Book 3 of The Black Jewels Trilogy - reissue)
Order:
|
 |
DECADENT
Shayla Black
The author of Wicked Ties wraps her steamy prose around the premise that two men are better than one.
Kimber Edgington is a virgin with a crushon a pop star with a penchant for threesomes. Determined to prove that she's woman enough for singer Jesse McCall, Kimber turns to bodyguard Deke Trenton for sexual education...lessons that include his super-sexy friend Luc. Though she's saved herself for Jesse, Kimber soon learns that he's not the man adept at stoking her aching, endless need. That's Deke, and he can't resist when Kimber begs for moreand more.
Order:
|
 |
THE COURTESAN'S DAUGHTER
Claudia Dain
First in a sexy new series featuring the match-making schemes of an infamous courtesan.
Award-winning author Claudia Dain tells a tale of impropriety and independence, and a mother and daughter determined to bend the rules of society in their favor.
Young Lady Caroline's prospects for a suitable match are severely limited by her mother's infamous past. Before Lady Sophia Dalby entered London society, she was a highly desired courtesan. What man of title, position, and wealth would marry a courtesan's daughter?
Sophia's solution is to purchase a husband for Carolinethe Earl of Ashdonagreeing to settle his gambling debts if he will take her daughter's hand. Insulted, Caroline refuses to have a husband who was bought for her.
But after meeting the fiery Lord Ashdon, she wonders if it wouldn't be satisfying to have him pay for her, perhaps with a priceless pearl necklace? With Sophia pulling the strings, Lord Ashdon may get more than he bargained for and Caroline may get just what she wants.
(The Courtesan Series #1)
Order:
|
 |
MR. KNIGHTLEY'S DIARY
by Amanda Grange
Relive Jane Austen's Emmafrom Mr. Knightley's point of view.
Between managing his estate and visiting his brother in London, Mr. Knightley is both exasperated and amused by his irresistibly beautiful, outrageously mischievous neighbor, Emma Woodhouse, whose misguided attempts at matchmaking are wreaking havoc in the village of Highbury.
But when a handsome newcomer arrives and catches Emma's attention, Mr. Knightley is shocked by his reaction. Amusement gives way to another emotion entirelyfor his unreasonable dislike of the handsome newcomer seems suspiciously like jealousy.

Order:
|
 |
DEMON ENVY
by Erin Lynn
Vanity isnt even one of the seven deadly sins, but thats what got me into this mess...
This is my story. The tale of a normal morning in the life of a normal girlWHO HAS A DEMON POP UP IN HER SHOWER. Yeah, thats where the vanity comes in. While trying to get rid of a monster zit, I dropped my face lotion in the tub. And while fifty bucks worth of it swirled down the drain, it freed a demon from his prison portal. A mysteriously geeky looking demon. (In the movies, theyre always hot, right?)
So here I am, Kenzie Sutcliffe, saddled with a creature who looks and acts like every other guy I know. That is: ANNOYING. At least Levi has a jobif you could call it that. He has to stir up envy and jealousy in humans...or he starves. All hes tempting me to do is crawl back into my bedroom and hide there until forever. Because believe me, no one is going to be coveting my life after this...

Order:
|
 |
THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY
Donna MacMeans
Emma Brimley pretends to be a widow to find employment at an all-girl's school. But when she's expected to teach the intimacies of marriage, she strikes a scandalous bargain with a neighboring artista man well-versed in bedroom etiquette.
Order:
|
 |
GIRLS THAT GROWL
Mari Mancusi
Third in Mancusi's hip, sassy vampire series, featuring the heroine of Stake That!
She's a vampire. She's also a vampire slayer. (It's a long story.) And now Rayne McDonald, Goth girl, has to carry out her most deviant mission yet: trying out for the cheerleading squad.
Rayne already has enough on her plate: her twin keeps whining about whether or not to go all the way; her mom's boyfriend is moving in; and her man, Jareth, who's now allowed out in the sun, has turned from a dark, brooding hottie vamp into a surfer dude.
But this vampire slayer is still on the clock, and she has a new assignment. A member of the football team has disappeared-and her bosses at Slayer Inc. think the cheerleaders had something to do with it. Now they want her to infiltrate the squad and get the dirt. But first, she'll need an extreme prep makeover. If only they'd let her wear fishnets under that revolting uniform.
Order:
|
 |
AN ENCHANTED SEASON
Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh & Jean Johnson
Give readers a giftnew stories from a bestselling lineup of romance authors.
It's the time of year when dreams come true, miracles happen every day, and love is the greatest gift of all...
The holidays always seem to bring out the best in everyone, with heartfelt hugs for long-missed friends, sincere smiles in the spirit of the season, and a feeling of magic in the air.
Here, for the first time, is a collection of paranormal romances celebrating the holidays as never before. From a shape-shifting leopardess who wants a packmate to be her soulmate to a snowstorm that brings a surprise gift, these all-new tales by Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh, and Jean Johnson will stir your spirit in all the right places.
Charlotte's Web by Erin McCarthy
Return to Cutterville, Ohio's most haunted town, for Charlotte Murphy and Will Thornton's story ... Charlotte's Web!
Beat of Temptation by Nalini Singh
Young Tamsyn has always held a special place in her heart for her powerful fellow pack-member Nate. But as a dominant male leopard in the pack, the more experienced Nate doesn't want to trap Tamsyn into the fierce demands of the mating bonda bond driven by the animal withinwhen shes hardly had the chance to grow into a woman. But Tamsyn knows what she wants for Christmas, and shes going to get it...
Gifts of the Magi by Jean Johnson
Steve Bethel and his fiancée Rachel could use a few miracles right about now; the family bed-and-breakfast is mortgaged to the hilt, the biggest blizzard in half a century is ruining the shortest day of the year, the local bank manager is a stickler for bills being paid on time, and their guests are canceling right and left. But when three strangers show up at what seems like the darkest hour, looking for a place to stay for the holidays, the simple gifts of peace, knowledge, and comfort seem to be just the miracles they need.
Order:
|
 |
DARK MOON DEFENDER
Sharon Shinn
First Time in Paperback
In this story of hidden magic and forbidden love, the King's Rider Justin befriends Ellynor, a young novice at a conventonly to discover that she is a mystic being manipulated by the fanatical Daughters of the Pale Moon into hunting down and killing other mystics.
(A Novel of the Twelve Houses #3)
Order:
|
 |
TOUCHED BY FIRE
Catherine Spangler
Supernatural seduction from the bestselling author of Touched by Darkness.
Since a brutal attack on her sister eleven years ago, Marla Reynolds has been emotionally frozen. But the passion of one mana member of an ancient superhuman racecould melt her defenses.
From the Author
You met the ultra-sexy Luke Paxton, the leather-clad Sentinel who drives a Harley, in the first Sentinel book, TOUCHED BY DARKNESS. Now Luke gets his own story and a challenging heroine who will not readily bend to his will. But Luke is just the man to convince Marla Reynolds that it's safe to feel again. Things heat up and sparks fly as these two come together to fight the ultimate evil.
(The Sentinels #2)
Order:
|
 |
BOND OF BLOOD
Diane Whiteside
Once a medieval knight, Don Rafael Perez is now leader of the largest vampire territory in Texas. He has sworn never to initiate a woman into the eternal pleasures of the flesh. But breaking his vow may be the only way to save the woman he loves.
(Reissue from Trade Paperback)
Order:
|
 |
KILLING MOON
Rebecca York
Private investigator Ross Marshall has a special talent for trackinga talent that has helped him locate missing persons when the police's trial has gone cold. now his current case has led him to a body buried in an isolated rural areaand a serial killer who is looking for a new victim. But while gathering evidence for the police, something goes very wrong...
The last thing genetic researcher Megan Sheridan expected was to discover her client shot and unconscious. Ross Marshall had requested her lab to run genetic tests on him, but instead of taking a blood sample, Megan found herself tending his wounds. Although frightened by secrets she knows he's hiding, Megan is compelled to him by a force she can't explainor resist. Ross tried to deny the ancient instincts clamoring for him to take Megan as his mate, for to do so would sentence her to a lifetime of sorrow. But now Ross has an even more urgent reason to stay away from Megan: the killer that he's been hunting has turned the tablesand is now hunting him...
(Reissue at special low price)
Order:
|
|
Q & A with Claudia Dain
1) Your new book THE COURTESANS DAUGHTER involves the matchmaking schemes of a once-infamous courtesan. How did you come up with the character of Lady Sophia Dalby?
Years of research! I don't know what prompted my initial foray, but fifty or sixty research books later, Sophia Dalby was standing there, smirking at me. It wasn't so much that she demanded her story, but that she was so fully formed, her world so complete, that all I had to do was walk through a doorway from my world into hers. I love her world! She's a wonderful hostess.
2) The mother-daughter relationship is obviously an important part of the story in this book. What led you to that theme?
The easy answer is that I'm a daughter and I'm the mother of a daughter. My mother was very wise and she helped me negotiate the world of boys and romance. I'm doing the same for my daughter. Isn't that a mother's job? I was certainly glad for any nuggets of insight I got from my mom and my daughter has me on speed dial for her romantic emergencies.
3) The sequel to this book, THE COURTESAN'S SECRET, comes out in May 2008. Can you give us a sneak peak?
After two years pursuing Lord Dutton, Lady Louisa decides she needs help in bringing the elusive Dutton to the altar. Who better to arrange for Dutton to fall into her very deserving hands than Sophia? And while Dutton is being arranged for, Louisa would very much like her pearls returned to her, pearls which are in Dutton's possession. Sophia, very much inclined to help any woman get her jewelry back, agrees to help Louisa. If a courtesan can't wring jewels out of a man, who can?
Sophia, naturally, has plans of her own. While Dutton is quite certain that he doesn't want Louisa, he is equally certain that Blakesley wants her very much. Dutton and Blakesley make a wager regarding Louisa, a wager which Dutton is certain he will win. The pearls, the men, the girl, and a wager on White's book are all Sophia needs to arrange for Louisa to get the man she wants; even if she hasn't yet discovered that the man she wants is Blakesley.
4) Have you always been drawn to write historical fiction? What is it about the past that you find inspiring?
I have. I find everything about history fascinating and can't remember a time when that wasn't true. There's something about 'long ago and far away' that exists at the core of fiction. The idea that people are shaped by their culture and circumstances and experiences influences me profoundly, and yet we're the same through time in a very basic sense. Always human, always seeking the same things: love, security, success, family.
5)What do you look for in a good novel? Which genre are you personally drawn to?
First and foremost, I want to be entertained. I want to be swept away, out of my daily life and into another reality. I don't want anything to break the spell the novel is weaving around me. I want to be captured by that story. I think that's what we all want from good fiction, no matter which genre we prefer as our vehicle. As to my genre vehicle of choice, I like most of them. I love just about any historical setting, naturally! In a contemporary setting I enjoy thrillers because they are so diametrically opposed to what I write. It's nice to escape to a completely different world in my play time.
|
SPOTLIGHT ON BERKLEY
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY (by Cathie Linz)
Dear reader:
It all started with that Dove commercial during the 2006 Superbowlthe one that says something along the lines of every girl should believe she's beautiful. That got me interested in learning more about positive body images for women which lead me to write my new book BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY featuring a plus-size heroine. Actually, since the average American woman is a size 14 and my heroine is a size 16 she's more a normal-size heroine. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn't always agree.
After her plus-size modeling career tanks, Leena Riley becomes a receptionist in her hometown veterinarian's office. Too bad the vet is bad boy Cole Flannigan, who taunted her all through school. Now that Leena has grown into her curves, she's going to make Cole paybig time.
I had so much fun writing Leena and Cole's story and I'm thrilled with the rave reviews it's been receiving, including a highly coveted starred review in Booklist! Because Cole is a veterinarian,
I got to use some of my favorite animal storiesfrom the depressed boa constrictor to the runaway turtle to the cat who sucks her own thumb.
I enjoy writing books that touch your heart as well as your funny bone. Remember, laughter is good for you!
Happy Reading,
~Cathie
|

|
OVERKILL (by Linda Castillo)
Dear reader:
I love creating and writing flawed characters. A flawed hero or heroine is so much more real than a perfect one. I think there's something particularly appealing about the imperfect heroine. A heroine who makes mistakes, reacts impulsively, and maybe even occasionally partakes in bad behavior. In my new romantic suspense, OVERKILL, Marty Hogan is that kind of heroine. She's reckless and quirky and a just a little bit self-destructive. I think there's a little bit of Marty in all of us.
While Marty is hot headed and impulsive, the hero, Chief of Police Clay Settlemeyer is evenhanded and deliberate. The chemistry between these two characters sizzles from their first meeting. What made them so much fun to write was that they both have a sense of humor, too.
OVERKILL is set in a small Texas town, but the danger that follows Marty is very big city. The wholesome setting stands in stark contrast to the dark intent of the people from her past seeking revenge.
If you like your romance hot, your suspense edgy and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, you won't want to miss OVERKILL.
Happy Reading!
~Linda Castillo
|